Jets vs. Browns preview: 5 questions with Browns Wire

The Jets will visit the winless Browns Sunday as Cleveland looks for its first win of the season.

The Jets, meanwhile, are looking for their third straight win, a fact that might come as a surprise to some. New York is coming off two wins against the Miami Dolphins and Jacksonville Jaguars — can a winless Browns team stop Gang Green’s streak?

To get a better perspective on what’s going on with Miami, Jets Wire spoke to Browns Wire’s Managing Editor, Jeff Risdon.

1. Why should Browns fans believe their winless team will take down the Jets this weekend?

The biggest reason for optimism is the defense going up against Josh McCown. Browns fans know McCown well from his 1-10 record and near-10 percent sack rate in his two injury-ravaged years in Cleveland. The Browns defense can get after the quarterback and they bring pressure from all over. Handling pressure has never been McCown’s strong suit.

2. Jabrill Peppers is a Jersey guy. What have you seen from him four weeks into his rookie season?

Peppers’ usage has been the source of much consternation. Even though he was a hybrid linebacker/safety at Michigan, and great at it, the Browns are often using him as a deep high safety. He’s frequently lining up almost 25 yards off the line. The instincts are there but his body control when going after the ball or a tackle has been disappointing. He really has trouble gathering himself to make the play once he arrives at the point of attack.

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3. Should the Jets regret not drafting DeShone Kizer? What are your long-term expectations for him?

How Jets fan view Kizer needs to be viewed through this prism: is he better than Bryce Petty or Christian Hackenberg as a second-round pick? So far, yes he is. But Kizer has a very long way to go before he makes anyone feel good about his chances as the long-term solution in Cleveland.

If he learns to speed up his process and his reactions, Kizer can be very good. His accuracy will never be more than average, unfortunately. Right now he’s creating too many problems for himself by holding the ball too long and being indecisive. It’s important to remember he’s just 21 and has what might be the worst receiving corps of any recent NFL team with Corey Coleman injured.

4. How much of a factor will Myles Garrett be in his NFL debut?

The hope is he will be a big one. Even in the preseason, Garrett forced opponents to shade extra blocking help his way. Cleveland does have quite a bit of young talent on the defensive front, and if Garrett draws the attention it will allow guys like Emmanuel Ogbah and Carl Nassib — both of whom have played well — more freedom. Garrett dominated one-on-one matchups all summer, and that includes a lot of wins in practice over Joe Thomas.

5. Have you kept up with ex-Browns Josh McCown and Demario Davis? Both are have been solid for the Jets. Cleveland could probably use them back, no?

McCown’s leadership is missed. The Browns are so young and could use more veteran presences like his. Cleveland has moved beyond wanting a stopgap solution at quarterback, however.

Davis is playing really well back in New York, but I’m not sure he’d be so successful in Cleveland. The Browns changed schemes to a 4-3 and have three very good starting LBs in Jamie Collins, Christian Kirksey and Joe Schobert. Collins is hurt right now, unfortunately. Schobert has taken over what was Davis’ role and played extremely well. The bigger regret in the Davis deal is that the Browns quickly learned what Jets fans knew all too well — Calvin Pryor is worthless.

6. Bounus Question: Who wins and why?

I think the Jets win in a fairly low-scoring game. The combination of the pass rush and the strong play from the likes of Jamal Adams on the back end is real trouble for the worst passing offense in the league. Cleveland just doesn’t have the ability to come from behind. I don’t see the Jets offense doing much either, as the Browns defense is very good against the run. Call it Jets 20, Browns 13.

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